Category: 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 4:5 – All Knowing Judge

Posted on by Will

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one's praise will come from God.

Truth to Learn

Let God be the judge of other people’s ministry.

Behind the Words

The words “judge nothing” are from mē … ti krinete. Mē is the relative negative, which could refer either to ti or krinete. Ti means “a thing” and krinete is the command form of krinō, which means “to make a judicial decision.” So, this phrase could mean “do not judge anything” or “judge nothing.”

“Time” is from kairos, which refers to “an occasion.” Given the context, it most likely refers to “until the Lord comes.”

The words “bring to light” are translated from the verb phōtidzō, meaning “to shine light upon” or “to make one see or understand.”

The word translated “hidden” is kruptos, which is based on the verb kruptō, meaning “to keep secret or hidden.” This kruptos refers to that which is secret or hidden.

Skotos is the Greek word translated “darkness.” It can refer either to physical or spiritual darkness.

“Counsels” is from boulē, which refers to “will” or “intention,” indicating deliberation and reflection.

Meaning Explained

Having just said that he is not aware of any act of malpractice or negligence regarding his ministry in Corinth and that God will be the judge of such, Paul now gives us all a command. He says, “Don’t judge anyone’s faithfulness in ministry.” After all, the Lord is the only valid judge. He does not simply look at the surface evidence. God, as it says of His word, “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) When we stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, our works done for God will be rightly judged by Him who sees our real motives and intentions.

We all tend to judge the work of others, whether it is holy or selfishly motivated. But, our judgment is flawed because we don’t really know what’s in a person’s heart. A classic example of this is given regarding the Prophet Samuel who was in the process of selecting and anointing the future king of Israel from the sons of Jesse. Upon seeing Jesse’s son Eliab, Samuel thought that surely this must be the one, but God said:

Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

When our day of judgment does come, we will each receive the praise that we deserve. But that praise will not come from those to whom and with whom we minister. It will come from the only one that matters, God Himself.

Application

No matter what your ministry, whether it is “up front” where everyone sees you or “behind the scenes” where no one sees you, do it humbly and for the purpose of giving praise to God. He knows your heart and your motives. Therefore, keep your focus on Him and don’t be concerned about what others think of your service. I suspect that some janitors or nursery workers will get more praise from God than their pastors will.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 4:4 – The Final Judge

Posted on by Will

For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.

Truth to Learn

Serve God with diligence and with a humble spirit. Don’t worry about what others say.

Behind the Words

“I know” is translated from the Greek verb suneidō, which is made up of sun, meaning “together” and eidō, meaning “to know.” Together they mean “to be consciously aware of.” It is expressed in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the effect.

The word “nothing” is from oudeis, which is made up of ou, meaning “not” and heis, meaning “one” or “one thing.” So, oudeis literally means “not one thing.”

Dikaioō is the word translated “justified.” It means “to bring out the fact that a person is righteous or without fault.” It is also expressed here in the perfect tense.

The word “judges” is translated from anakrinō, which we saw in yesterday’s verse meaning, “to discern, to decide, or to judge.” It is expressed as a present tense participle, indicating continuous ongoing action. We could paraphrase the end of this verse as “He who is continuously examining me is the Lord.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse, Paul boldly proclaimed that it is a very little thing to him if he is judged by the Corinthians or even a court of law (remember, this literally reads “man’s day”). He went on to say that he does not even make judgment against himself. In today’s verse he clarifies this last statement. He says that he is not consciously aware of anything against himself. In classical Greek literature, the expression he used means “I am not conscious regarding myself of any guilt or neglect of duty.” He is not claiming to have reached a state of sinlessness (which some refer to as “complete sanctification”), rather he is saying that regarding his ministry in Corinth, he is not aware of any malpractice or negligence of duty. He did what God called him to do and he did it wholeheartedly for God, not for himself.

He quickly follows this up with, “yet I am not justified by this.” In other words, just because he is not consciously aware of any faults in his ministry, it does not mean that he is claiming himself guiltless. He leaves here the possibility that he may have committed some act of neglect or malpractice in his ministry to the Corinthians. If so, he simply states that he is not aware of such an act.

In a final statement on the subject, Paul proclaims what should be obvious to any Christian: God is the Judge and final authority on all thoughts and actions of all Christians. If Paul had committed any neglect or malpractice while ministering to the Corinthians, he knows that God will judge such actions. That’s why it is such a small concern to him regarding what people in Corinth say.

Application

Each one of us has responsibilities that God has given us in spreading the gospel message and in building up His church. We are to perform such duties in complete subservience to God, not concerning ourselves with what others say about it. If we are doing our part as a totally committed servant, giving Him all the glory, then we needn’t be concerned about what others say. Give all you have and keep your eyes on Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 4:3 – The Master’s Judgment

Posted on by Will

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

Truth to Learn

Don’t worry about what others say but what God says.

Behind the Words

“With” is translated from the Greek preposition eis, meaning “to” or “into.” Thus, this could be translated as “But to me …”

The words “a very small thing” are from the word elachistos. This is the superlative or mikros, meaning “small.” The use of elachistos here could mean “the smallest thing,” but it is more likely that it means “a very little thing.”

“I should be judged” is from the verb anakrinō. It is made up of ana, meaning “up,” used here as an intensifier, and krinō, meaning “to discern, to decide, or to judge.” Anakrinō means “to scrutinize” or “to investigate.” It is expressed in the passive voice, indicating action done to the subject, and the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of action.

“A human court” is translated from two words, anthrōpinos and hēmera. Anthrōpinos means “that which belongs to man” and hēmera means “day” or “daytime.” Thus, this literally means “man’s day.” Paul is making a contrast between man’s day (a human court) and the Day of the Lord.

Meaning Explained

This is a verse which is easy to misinterpret. Paul is not saying that he rejects personal opinion or the validity of a human court. And, the issue at hand is not whether Paul is more popular with the people than Peter or Apollos. He doesn’t care about such favoritism and, in fact, has criticized such actions. This is the very thing which has caused the divisions in the church. What he is saying is that regarding his own ministry, he is only concerned about what God thinks of him.

In Luke 12:35-48, Jesus teaches a parable about living a life focused on God and serving with Him in mind. In verses 42 through 48 he talks specifically about a wise steward (oikonomos, the same word translated “steward” in yesterday’s verse). He teaches that the wise steward performs his duties believing that his master is going to return some day and reward him for his faithful service. But, the unwise steward doesn’t believe his master will return soon and resorts to the ways of the world, focusing on immediate gratification. When the master does return, the unwise steward will receive harsh judgment, but the wise (faithful) servant will be rewarded. If a servant of God is faithful in his own personal life, in his home, and in his ministry, then as a wise steward he will be adequately rewarded by his Master when He returns.

In today’s verse, Paul is saying essentially the same thing about his own ministry. He is not concerned about how people will perceive him. He is focused on serving his Master and what He thinks of Paul’s service. In fact, Paul goes on to say that he is not concerned about his own judgment of himself. He knows his imperfections, but he is not biased by his own self-love in evaluating his ministry. The only judgment he is concerned with is that which the Lord will pronounce in His Day.

Application

How do you perceive your ministry for God?  Are you concerned that it is unimportant or that others will think your service for God is foolishness? Don’t be! Serve the Master faithfully in the ministry He has given you. Keep your focus on Him, not on yourself or what others may think about you.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

 

1 Corinthians 4:2 – Trustworthy Stewards

Posted on by Will

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Truth to Learn

Preachers and teachers must be believable and trustworthy.

Behind the Words

The word “moreover” is translated from the Greek words, hōde loipon. Hōde is an adverb of place. That is, it describes the action of the verb (it is required) as “here in this place.” The word loipon refers to “that which remains.” So, these three words could be translated as “as to the rest,” “additionally,” or “moreover.”

Dzēteō is the Greek verb translated “it is required.” It literally means “to seek after, to require, or to expect.”

“Stewards” is from oikonomos, which in the previous verse we learned means “a person who manages the affairs of a household or a business which rightfully belongs to someone else.”

The words “be found” are from the Greek verb heuriskō, meaning “to find something.” It usually implies the result of a search, but it may mean to find something not searched for.

“Faithful” is translated from the noun pistos, which is based on the verb peithō, meaning “to win over or persuade.” Thus, pistos refers to someone who is trustworthy or believable.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul instructed us on how we ought to view the leaders of our local congregation, especially those who proclaim the Word of God, either in preaching or teaching. He said that they should be seen as the Lord’s assistants, as those who have the responsibility of managing the affairs of their master and handing out the “mysteries of God.” You may recall from earlier studies that the word “mystery” (from the Greek word musterion) refers to something that was hidden in the past but that is now being publicly made known.

Now we are told that an additional, and perhaps most important, characteristic of those who handle God’s Word is that they be faithful. The English word carries the idea of being full of faith, that is, a believer. However, that is not the point that Paul is making. After all, every Christian is full of faith, every Christian is one who believes that Jesus Christ died on the cross as payment for their sins. Since every member of the true church is a believer, of course that also applies to the preachers and teachers.

Paul’s point here is that these leaders, these who are given the responsibility of handling the mysteries of God, are to be found trustworthy and believable. People who preach and teach God’s Word must be observed and must be found to properly dispense that which the Master has given to their care. In other words, we who sit under their teaching should not just take everything they say as truth, but we should test what they say and teach. We should act as the Christians in Berea are said to have acted:

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. (Acts 17:11)

Application

When you leave your church meeting, do you forget about what was taught? Or do you think about what was said and study your Bible to verify the trustworthiness of the teacher?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 4:1 – God’s Assistants

Posted on by Will

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Truth to Learn

A teacher’s words reveal his image of himself, under Christ.

Behind the Words

The words “let … consider” are translated from the Greek verb logidzomai. This word is based on logos, meaning “something said” or more accurately, “the thought behind something said.” Thus, logidzomai means “to think about” or “to consider.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood indicating a command.

“So” is from the Greek adverb houtō, meaning “in this manner” or “so.”

“Servants” is from hupēretēs, which is composed of huper, meaning “under” or “beneath” and eretēs, meaning “a rower.” It refers to someone who is acting under the direction of a superior. In classical Greek it refers to a common sailor as distinct from nautēs, a seasoned sailor. This word is used to refer to a personal assistant like the person in a synagogue who handed the scroll to the rabbi and returned it to its place.

Oikonomos is the Greek word translated “stewards.” It is made up of oikos, meaning “a house” and nemō, meaning “to distribute” or “to hand out.” This word refers to a person who manages the affairs of a household or a business which rightfully belongs to someone else.

Meaning Explained

Having criticized the Corinthian Christians for their slavish devotion to specific leaders within the church, Paul now goes into a description of how Christian leaders should be viewed by those receiving their instruction. Instead of seeing the teachers and preachers of the church as masters, he says that such men should be considered as “under oarsmen” or “personal assistants” to Jesus Christ, Himself. Moreover, he goes on to say that those who proclaim the gospel message are no more than stewards whose job it is to distribute the goods of a household (the mysteries of God) to others under their care.

Several years ago we moved from the central part of the USA to the Pacific Northwest. We spent considerable time looking for a church where we could grow in our faith and serve God. Some churches had impressive buildings and wonderful services with uplifting times of worship and praise. Unfortunately, most of these had little sound Biblical teaching. Instead, the preachers laid forth messages of social challenge, with only cursory references to Holy Scripture. As a result, the people attending these churches seemed to be indifferent to strangers and showed little evidence of the fruit of the Spirit.

Eventually, God led us to a large congregation that meets in an industrial warehouse. We quickly learned that unless we arrived a half hour early, we would be relegated to the farthest recesses of the room or to the video room where the speaker was displayed on a large screen. In spite of the appearance of the building and its awkward layout, we quickly discovered that the people were warm, friendly, and genuinely excited about learning God’s Word. Why? Because the men delivering the message are not there for personal glory, but they consider themselves stewards of the mysteries of God.

Application

What do you look for in a church? The building, the worship time, the fellowship, or the faithful servants who proclaim God’s message to you directly from His Word?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 3:23 – Owned By God

Posted on by Will

And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

Truth to Learn

All things are ours, but we are owned servants of God.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse, Paul gave a fairly concise description of what Christians possess as God’s children. Lest we get puffed up by our possessions (whether physical or spiritual), he now reminds the Corinthians (and us) that we are not on the top of the heap. In fact, in a very polite manner, the Apostle informs us that we are owned by God, we are His possessions. In the first century, slaves were looked down on as non-people, having no rights, owned by their master, no different than animals and other private property. That is precisely what he says we are. We are God’s possessions. And, in doing so, he also points out that there is a hierarchy even within the Godhead. Christ is subservient to the Father, having demonstrated the fact by offering himself on the cross in obedience to the Father.

With this truth Paul closes this portion of his message to the Corinthian Christians. Before we go on, however, let’s look back at what we have learned so far.

The opening chapters of this letter to the Christians in Corinth have been Paul’s response to the divisions which had sprung up there. These divisions had been caused by groups of Christians within the church claiming a kind of superiority over others based on the preacher/teacher they aligned themselves with. Paul condemned such pride and devotion to men rather than humility and devotion to Christ.

He then went on to condemn the worldly preaching tactics of some of the teachers in the church, proclaiming:

that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. (1 Corinthians 2:5)

These teachers had resorted to using the tactics and methods of the sophists, the great worldly orators of their day. Instead, Paul admonishes teachers within the church to rely on the Spirit of God for delivering the truths taught in His Word:

These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (1 Corinthians 2:13)

He compared the spirit-led preaching of the gospel to worldly tactics. The worldly teachers believed their message and tactics were based on wisdom and that the message of the gospel is foolishness. However, Paul declares:

… the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (1 Corinthians 1:25)

Our message, he says, is a mystery which is revealed to those who are saved by “the Spirit who is from God,” but the natural man thinks our message is foolishness.

Next, Paul taught that we all have a part in building the church, the temple of God, and that each of us will receive a reward for the work we do for Him. Our building task is not based on worldly wisdom, but the Spirit of God.

Application

We are God’s fellow workers in building the church. The world is at our disposal, but we are owned by God and need to do His work, His way. Let’s keep working for Him!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

 

1 Corinthians 3:22 – All Has Been Given

Posted on by Will

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

   I know it has been awhile since I sent out my last verse. I have had to take a little time off to re-evaluate this ministry. As you may know, since last December, I have been seeking permission from Thomas Nelson (Harper Collins Christian Publishing)  to publish these verses in an e-book. Since I use the New King James Version as the translation for these verses and they own the copyright, without their permission, I can't publish the e-book using their translation. Two weeks ago I got the final word from them telling me that I do not have their permission, even though I already had their permission to use the NKJV in these daily verse studies. Needless to say, this was a great disappointment to me. After a lot of soul searching and prayer and last Sunday's sermon (which I felt like was delivered directly to me), I have decided to take up the mantle again and continue with these daily studies. I offer my thanks to all of you who have supported and encouraged me in the past. Please pray for me that God would guide me regarding how I may yet be able to get them published or, if it His will, that I forget about trying to get them published and simply continue this e-mail and blogging ministry.

In God's service, for His glory,

Will

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours.

Truth to Learn

God has given all things to His children.

Behind the Words

The word “whether” is from the Greek conjunction eite. This is made up of ei, meaning “if” and te, meaning “and.” It can be translated as “and if” or “whether.” It is used in the latter sense in today’s verse. This verse is primarily made up of a list of items which are all preceded by eite. This is a list which includes all things in the list, with none of them excluded.

The words “the world” are translated from the Greek word kosmos, which we saw back in verse nineteen. It refers to “order” or “arrangement” and is the word from which we get our English word cosmetics. Though it usually refers to the world system, which is controlled by Satan, it is sometimes used as it is here in reference to all of creation.

“Life” is translated from dzoē, which is derived from the verb dzaō, meaning “to live.” Dzoē refers to “life” or “existence.”

Meaning Explained

This verse has been called “an inventory of the possessions of the child of God.” Although it was directly proclaimed to the Christians in Corinth, it is applicable to all Christians. So what does it mean? God created all that exists for His children. Once sin entered into the world, there was a division between his spiritual children (those who believe Him by faith) and the rest of mankind. Throughout the remainder of the Bible, He makes a distinction between believers and the rest of mankind. God has provided spiritual gifts and gifted Christians for the purpose of building up His spiritual children (the church):

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, (Ephesians 4:11-12)

These leaders in the church were put there for us, we were not put here for them. In that sense, all who build up the body of Christ are ours.

As we said above, God created everything for His children. The world (all of creation) is ours by faith, not just this current world, which is now under Satan’s control, but the recreated heavens and earth which will come at the end of time. Even the very life which we have has been given to us. Again, it does not just mean this present life, but the life eternal which we expectantly wait for. And, even death is ours. Because of the fall of mankind, death is a reality that we all must face. But this death is only the physical death of this life, which is actually a blessing to us. Without it, we would continue to live with a cursed sin nature. Eternal life (without our sin nature), in God’s eyes, is a present possession of every Christian. So, even though we will all die physically, we now have eternal life.

Paul now restates a foundational truth that permeates all of his teaching. Not only do we possess all things now, we already possess the eternal things God has promised to us.

Application

Don’t think of yourselves as being a member of (belonging to) a particular church or group of people who follow a particular leader. Think of yourself as God’s precious child for whom all things were made. Be humbly thankful for all He has given us.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

 

1 Corinthians 3:21 – Focus on Him

Posted on by Will

Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours:

Truth to Learn

We need to keep our focus on God and humbly serve Him.

Behind the Words

“Therefore” is translated from the Greek word hōste. This word is made up of hōs, meaning “as” and the particle te, meaning “and” which serves to connect the following clause more closely to the previous one. As a result, this word means “therefore, accordingly, and so, or thus.”

The word “boast” is from kauchaomai, which means “to boast, to glory, or to exult,” either in a good manner or bad. In this verse, it is used in a bad sense, meaning “to brag without reason.”

The word translated “all things” is translated from the Greek word pas, meaning “all” or “every.” It is expressed here in the neuter plural, so it means “all things” or “everything.”

“Are” is from the verb of being, eimi. It is expressed in the second person singular, so the last part of this verse could be translated, “For everything is yours.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous three verses, Paul was speaking to the teachers in the church in Corinth, warning them not to depend on worldly techniques in their teaching. In this and the following two verses, he is speaking to all of us. Paul’s entire letter up to this point has been centered on the fact that there were divisions in the church because people placed the importance of one teacher over another. They had been bragging about who the real leader was and identifying themselves with him. Back in 1 Corinthians 1:12, Paul said:

Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ."

When we put too much importance on the messenger instead of the message, we take the credit away from God and give it to men. In his second letter to this church, quoting Proverbs 27:2, Paul says:

But "He who glories, let him glory in the Lord." (2 Corinthians 10:17)

And, in his letter to the Christians in Galatia, Paul says:

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ … (Galatians 6:14a)

The Corinthian Christians were focused on people and things of this world instead of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul now tells them (and us) that boasting in men is wrong because all believers share equally in the grace of God and the gifts He has given us for building up the church. Some people in the church have a more prominent position, while others work behind the scenes. It doesn’t matter whether we are up front preaching to thousands of people or sweeping floors and emptying trash. Our focus needs to be on God, we need to be focused on Him and serve Him with all our heart.

Application

Don’t place too much importance on other people within the church or the gifts that God has given them. Instead, humbly serve God in the task He has assigned you and gifted you for.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 3:20 – God’s Way, Not the World’s

Posted on by Will

and again, "The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."

Truth to Learn

God’s way is the only way to present God’s truths.

Behind the Words

The word translated “again” is palin. This is probably derived from pale, which refers to a back-and-forth struggle. Palin means “again” or “once more.”

“Thoughts” is from dialogismos, which is made up of dia, meaning “through” but used here as an intensifier and a form of logidzomai (from which we get our English word logic), meaning “to reason” or “to consider.” Hence, dialogismos refers to the notion of “thinking through a plan or scheme.”

The word “futile” is translated from the Greek word mataios, which refers to activity that has no purpose (it is meaningless) or that is useless or futile.

Meaning Explained

Paul now employs another quotation from the Old Testament. It is Psalms 94:11, which says:

The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile.

If you look at the context of this quotation, you will see that the writer is talking about the LORD’s vengeance against proud and wicked men. It starts off with:

O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs— O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth! Rise up, O Judge of the earth; render punishment to the proud. LORD, how long will the wicked, how long will the wicked triumph? They utter speech, and speak insolent things; all the workers of iniquity boast in themselves. (Psalms 94:1-4)

This is a very apt description of the teachers in the church in Corinth who had adopted the methods of the sophists in order to attract the admiration of those they were teaching. If you look at the verses immediately following the one Paul quoted here, it says:

Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD, and teach out of Your law, that You may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked. For the LORD will not cast off His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance. But judgment will return to righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. (Psalms 94:12-15)

Those people in the Corinthian church who knew their Scriptures would have immediately recognized what Paul was saying. This is a poignant criticism aimed directly at the teachers. It is as if Paul were saying to them, “If you know your Scripture, you will recognize what God says about those who follow the ways of the world. Such methods of teaching are useless and only God’s ways and God’s truth will prevail.”

Application

You who teach God’s word, do not rely on your speaking skills or worldly methods when you teach other Christians. Rely on God’s truth, presented in a plain and simple manner letting God produce the fruit and He will get all the praise and glory.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 3:19 – Wisdom or Foolishness?

Posted on by Will

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness";

Truth to Learn

Good’s foolishness is better than the world’s wisdom.

Behind the Words

Kosmos is the Greek word translated “world.” It refers to “order” or “arrangement.” It is a reference to the world system, that is, the people and society of this world as opposed to God’s people and His system.

“Foolishness” is translated from the Greek word moria (based on moros) which refers to foolishness, folly, or absurdity.

The word “with” is from para, which expresses a physical nearness or an abstract relationship (with respect to).

“It is written” is the translation of the verb graphō, meaning “to grave” or “to carve.” The most ancient writing was done by carving the letters out of stone or clay tablets; therefore, graphō nearly always refers to writing. The verb is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect.

The word “catches” is from drassomai, which means “to grasp, take, catch, or seize.” This verb is always written in the middle voice, indicating action done by the subject to, or for, himself.

Panourgia is the word translated “craftiness.” It is made up of pas, meaning “all or every” and ergon, meaning “work or a deed.” Literally, this word means “the ability or willingness to do anything.” It is often used to refer to “craftiness, cunning, or unscrupulous behavior.”

Meaning Explained

In 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Paul contrasted the wisdom of the world (which is foolishness) with the foolishness of God (which is wisdom). Having rejected God altogether, the people of the world have fashioned their own wisdom to explain away any notion of an all-powerful God. In Paul’s time there were great orators, called sophists (wise ones) who used fancy words and enticing language to persuade their audience that they were speaking “truth.” In reality, especially when laid next to God’s wisdom, these sophists were proclaiming foolishness.

Since Corinth was such a worldly city, the people there were easily caught up in this worldly “wisdom.” Even the teachers within the church had come to believe that they were wise and gifted because they had successfully emulated the oratory skills of the sophists. Unfortunately, in learning the tools and techniques of the sophists, some of the teachers in Corinth had left the true foundation. As a result, they had become proud of their skills instead of becoming humble in their service to God.

To emphasize his point, Paul now quotes from the book of Job. In this passage Eliphaz the Temanite is describing to Job how the wicked of this world are always punished by God’s justice.

He catches the wise in their own craftiness, And the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them. (Job 5:13)

Likewise, teachers within the church who rely on earthly wisdom are fools teaching foolishness to God’s people.

Application

Listen carefully to those who teach in your church. Are they teaching “worldly wisdom” or “the foolishness of God?” God’s “foolishness” is better than the world’s “wisdom.”

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved